S.C. Senate debating bill expanding charter schools

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Senate is debating a bill to encourage the growth of charter schools.

The bill gives more options for charter schools to form, including sponsorship by a university, and allows for boys-only and girls-only schools.

The bill also requires traditional schools to give charter students access to sports and other extracurricular activities that their schools don't offer.

South Carolina has 17,000 students in 47 charter schools. They are public schools. But they are overseen by a board of parents, teachers and community members, rather than a district board. They also are subject to fewer government regulations than traditional public schools.

The House passed the measure last year. A vote of approval in the Senate would send its version back to the House.

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